Sometimes, you just have to have a picnic! | Personal

Life is crazy. It's full of page long to-do lists of calls to make, emails to return, homework to finish, bills to pay, people to see. May is always one of those extra busy months, full of open houses for graduating students and dinner with friends recently returned from college. Last weekend, however, I took some time in the middle of the crazy to R E L A X. Miranda and I put on the brakes for an hour and just soaked up some sun and homemade goodness, thanks to the Waterloo farmer's market!










This picnic was like a breath of fresh air! I highly encourage you to go have one this weekend!:)
love always,amelia renee:)

summer update | personal

This morning, I realized that there is some big news in my life that I haven't made public on my blog until now! Now, before you jump to conclusions, no....it's not a boy;) hahaha. So, what could it be? Well, it could be that I didn't fail my semester (not even close, but thanks for asking!) or that it's my Dad's birthday today (happy happy birthday to the best father ever!) but that's not it, either.

I'm GOING TO FLORIDA! 

The land of flamingos, palm trees, beaches, and frozen yogurt. Where the sunlight is always golden, and the humidity is out of this world. (ok, that's not going on the "pros" list...whatever.;) And, more specifically, the state where Jacksonville is situated!

What's so great about Jacksonville? Weeeellll....let me tell you! 

I've mentioned before that I'm involved in a campus ministry called The Navigators. Every summer, they have Summer Training Programs (STPs) across the country, in places like Wisconsin Dells, Snow Mountain Ranch in Colorado, and Jacksonville, Florida. Hundreds of college students apply to go, where they'll spend 8 weeks of their summer studying the Bible, building relationships though small groups and a job, learning from speakers, and having fun! I have been so blessed to been accepted to go to JAX this summer.

So, what does this look like for Amelia Renee Photography? Basically, I'll be taking a break from shooting professionally for two months. (Unless you live or are visiting Jax this summer, then hit me up!) However, I'll be shooting lots of photos and videos for fun! And, if you live in Iowa, I'll still be booking for August and this fall. :) No worries there! ;) If you're a senior next year, be sure to get a card from any of my gals (more on that next week!) and book your senior portrait session for this fall!

I'm super excited for this next step in my spiritual life. I know that God will do great things in Jacksonville this summer, and I'm so humbled to be a part of it.

(and, because what's a post without a photo?! here is the lovely Miranda. more to come from this session soon!)

love always,

amelia renee:)

2013 senior rep gals | sneak peek

I had a blast last weekend with three gorgeous ladies that will all be starting their final year of high school next fall! They're absolutely lovely and we got some fun photos to show you all.

love always,

amelia renee:)

Phillip & Melinda | young love session

Last week, I wanted to go out & play around with some equipment in the woods, and my friend Phillip & his girlfriend graciously allowed to let me get in their faces & follow them around. ;) We kept it short and sweet, since it was hinting at rain and Melinda had just gotten her hair colored. Even in such a short time, there was quite a bit of laughing going on. (A lot of that was them laughing at me...apparently when I get excited, I say the same thing. Over and over and over! "Ohhh you guys" was my saying of the day. hahaha! Wonderful.) 








love always,amelia renee:)

Kelsey & the kiddos | portraits

Kelsey is one of the wonderful gals I've become friends with during the past two years of college-ness. She's in the Navigator ministry with me, and we've gotten to know each other through that. Last fall, I remember Kelsey mentioning to me that she was moving out of the dorms and into the home of one of the families from church. Fast forward to this spring: Kelsey realized that she'd be moving out, and as a gift, she wanted to have a session with the kiddos & gift it to their parents! We had a blast hanging out (although it was suuuper windy. Lily & Ethan didn't mind at all!)





love always, amelia renee:)

spring fling in the woods | young love session

Spring (almost summer, now!) is here, and love is everywhere you look. It's always wonderful to capture moments of people enjoying each other's company! :) These two are friends of mine from totally different circles, and they've been dating for almost a year now. Definitely time for some photos! ;) 

love always,

amelia renee:)

Struggles and Shadows | Personal

//when the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in You, still standing.
When the sky rolls up and the mountains fall on their knees,
when time and space are through,
I'll be found in You.//
—brooke fraser [shadowfeet]


This week is the last full week of classes before finals start, and it's been tiring & emotional to say the least. Tuesday was super difficult; I spent 12 hours at school—hours full of struggles. Insecurities showed their ugly faces. Tears threatened to fall. Hope seemed distant at times. And I didn't eat dinner until 10 pm. (If you know me, lack of food can cause some crazy reactions!)

However, I find peace and comfort in knowing that my identity does not shallowly rest in the scholarships I win (or don't win), in my grades, nor in my photography. It sits in something, Someone, much deeper. My identity is in Christ, and I want to spend the rest of my earthly life bringing Him glory! This song is a good reminder to me of that, and that I'm just living a "shadow life" now...my real life starts in Eternity. And oh, how glorious that will be!

love always,

amelia renee:)